NAMM 2020

NAMM 2020 tradeshow took place January 16-19th, 2020 with a media preview day that was held the day prior on the 15th. There are always new and exciting things that take place at NAMM. The focus is on new equipment. Each of the attending vendors who have booths set up are primarily there to promote some sort of new product. We were lucky enough to see some of the products up close and personal. On Thursday, we sat with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer who showed us his new Electric Blue Les Paul guitar. A very striking guitar that we go in depth talking about (Tommy Thayer Interview). We also got a very detailed look at Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain’s new drumkit over at the British Drumhead Corporation. Nick also takes us through the creative process of the kit and how it came about. We also were lucky to talk to legendary photographer Neal Preston on his book “Exhilarated and Exhausted” at the Behind the Scenes booth.

In addition to seeing new product is the amount of shows that takes place surrounding the NAMM show. BackstageAxxess were lucky enough to take in the Gibson party, The Yamaha party, The 15^th anniversary of the Dimebash to just name a few. We have posted a few photos of each of these events for your enjoyment.

There were subtle changes to NAMM this year. The walkways at certain areas where there tends be a lot of traffic were made wider. Meaning there was less booths an more pace to roam freely. I thought this was a positive change. We also noticed that guitar companies like Schecter Guitar Research always had prominent major spot on floor 2 were relegated to small spot that maybe displayed 8 guitars. Dean Guitars didn’t have a booth at all. With Gibson back in a major way, let’s hope that Schecter and Dean come back as well.

There is always so much to do and see its impossible to take it all in but we do our best here to do so. Hope you enjoy the photos and coverage!